Where is Albania Located?

Albania is located in southeastern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. It’s bordered by Greece, North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Montenegro. It has access to the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, which are responsible for the amazing beaches of the Albanian Riviera. 

Albania has something to offer all year round, and you can decide when to visit depending on the type of vacation you want to have. 

If you’re looking for a summer vacation, the months of May through September are perfect to enjoy the Riviera and all the beautiful places in Albania. If you visit during the winter months, you can enjoy the beautiful snowy landscapes and the amazing winter atmosphere Albania has to offer.

How to Get to Albania?

15+ Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Albania

#1. The Blue Eye (Sarandë)

The Blue Eye is a natural spring with a mesmerizing turquoise color that blends perfectly with the dark blue coming from its depth. It’s one of the most beautiful places in Albania, and it has been described as magical and hypnotic. 

When seen from above, the spring resembles the human eye, so it was called ‘’Syri I Kaltër’’, which means “the blue eye’’ in Albanian. 

The Blue Eye is located about 30 minutes away from Saranda, and you can get there by bus, car, or taxi. There are clear road signs, so don’t worry about getting lost. Even if you do, the locals will be happy to show you the way.

The entrance fee is just 0.50 euros, or around 50 lek, and it’s open for visitors every day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

#2. The Grand Park of Tirana

With Tirana being quite a vibrant and bustling city, it’s not easy for visitors to find a place that offers tranquility and natural beauty. However, in the very heart of the city, there’s the Grand Park of Tirana, one of the most beautiful places in Albania for nature lovers. 

It has spacious green areas, tall trees, beautiful flowers, and winding trails that make it the perfect place to relax, explore, and make the most of the day in nature. On top of all this, there are areas for kids to play, gym corners, and a special path for bicycles.

You can plan a nice picnic in nature or just soak up the breathtaking view of the sun setting over the artificial lake. 

There are also many restaurants and cafes nearby, along with benches and resting spots. During your stroll, you will have the chance to see the little ducks and swans on the lake as well.

#3. Grunas Waterfall (Theth)

Located on the mighty Albanian Alps, Grunas Waterfall is definitely one of the most beautiful places in Albania, especially in the north. 

The ice-cold water falls from a height of around 25 meters, creating a beautiful emerald water spring. It’s surrounded by lush greenery and rocky terrain, giving hikers a chance to enjoy nature in all of its glory. 

You can get to the waterfall from the center of Theth village in about an hour by hiking there. The views are amazing, and the final destination is definitely worth it. After the hike, you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the pond, but keep in mind that the water is freezing cold!

#4. The Casted Sand / Rana e Hedhun (Shёngjin)

Rana e Hedhun is a very unique spot at the base of the hills that surround the village of Shёngjin. It’s one of the most peculiar landscapes, with steep and almost dune-like hillsides connecting the rocky hilltops and the water.

It’s one of the most beautiful places in Albania, with the mountains, sand, and sea all coming together in harmony. The area became fully open to the public only five years ago, and it’s gaining popularity day by day. There are also music festivals and concerts held at Rana e Hedhun in the summer, making the place even more worth the visit. 

#5. Valbonё Valley National Park 

In the eastern part of the Albanian Alps lies Valbonё Valley, which is also a national park. It’s among the most famous national parks and one of the most beautiful places in Albania. It's just a half-hour drive from the city of Bajram Curri. The views of the mountains and the valley itself will leave you in awe. 

The park is home to very rich flora and fauna and offers a variety of activities, from hiking or mountain biking to rafting and camping.

#6. Koman Lake

Located close to the city of Shkodёr,Koman Lake is an artificial lake on the Drin River with a 115 meters high dam on one side. Visiting this gem will surely be a memorable experience, with the emerald waters and breath-taking nature around you.

You can get to Koman Lake by car, but the roads are in poor condition, so be prepared for a long and slow drive. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Tirana to Koman while also enjoying the breathtaking scenery. The last option is a bus, and the ticket costs around 10 euros.

#7.Karavasta Lagoon

Being considered a national treasure, the Karavasta Lagoon is one of the largest lagoons in the Mediterranean, and it definitely deserves a place among the most beautiful places in Albania. It’s home to countless species of birds and other animals, and there are also forests with beautiful flowers and trees and areas of agricultural land.

The lagoon lies in Divjakё, on the west side of Albania, along Karavasta Village. You can easily get there by car or taxi from any city in Albania to enjoy the beautiful nature.

If you’d like, you can also reach the lagoon with a small boat or a kayak, exploring the serene nature and vibrant colors along the way. There’s a unique tranquility in the area that’s hard to find in the busy spots of the city.

#8. The Llogara National Park 

Located in southwestern Albania, the amazing Llogara National Park sits between the Ceraunian Mountains and the Albanian Riviera. To get there, you’ll have to drive through the road from Vlora to Dhёrmi, which is a great way to enjoy the views of the coast. 

In the park, you can find rich forests with bright greenery, and you might also spot deer and many other animals wandering in the woods. There are also a few hiking trails for the more adventurous tourists, one of which is through Mount Gjika, a 2045 meter-high mountain.

#9. Osumi Canyons

Near the town of Corovoda, the unique Osumi Canyons stand tall over the river Osum. It’s Albania’s most popular canyon, with many underground passages and caves waiting to be explored. 

The canyons are around 25 kilometers long and go up to 450 meters high. People believe that they were formed about 3 million years ago through water erosion, and to this day they remain one of the most beautiful places in Albania. 

The waters are perfect for rafting, especially in the spring when the water levels are rising. If you don’t like rafting, you can just hike around the canyon and explore the pools and streams along the way. 

#10. Shala River 

Being a branch of Komani Lake, the Shala River is often mistaken for it, but they’re definitely not the same thing. It’s one of the top natural attractions, deservedly claiming its place among the most beautiful places in Albania.

It’s often referred to as the "Thailand of Albania", and upon seeing the landscape, it’ll be easy to see why. 

You can get to the Shala River by taking a bus from Shkodёr straight to the river, and you can then take a boat in Lake Koman to access the river. The ride is pleasant, and you’ll get to enjoy amazing views of the lake and mountains.

There are plenty of day trip options and guesthouses all along the river, so you can properly enjoy your visit. You can also take the unique hiking trail that overlooks the river, but only if you have a bit of experience, as it’s very steep and tiring. The views from the highest peak, however, are totally rewarding.

#11. Skanderbeg Square

Visiting the famous Skanderbeg Square should definitely be on your list when visiting Tirana. 

Named after the Albanian national hero Gjergj Kastriot Skanderbeg, the square is the very center of the capital. It’s a meeting place for many residents, and it’s impossible to miss if you’re visiting Albania. The square is home to the famous monument to Skanderbeg and his horse, which was created in 1968.

The square is surrounded by the most important buildings in Albania, and only two years ago was it reconstructed and turned into a pedestrian zone. 

What’s interesting about it is that the square area is slightly inclined, and during the scorching-hot summer months, small water fountains sprinkle the water on the sides, making it flow down the inclined sides to refresh the bypassers. 

The best time to visit the square is in December, when there’s an amazing Christmas tree with countless lights and decorations covering the square. It’s definitely a sight and atmosphere that should be experienced. 

#12. Dajti Express 

If you’re into nature and adventure, Dajti Express offers you the perfect combination. It’s among the most well-known places in Albania, with cable cars taking you to the highest peak of the mountain, where you can engage in all sorts of fun activities like mini golfing, rollerblading, hiking, or paragliding. 

There’s also an amazing adventure park for all of those who need the adrenaline fix, as it’s the ultimate adventurer’s paradise! There’s also a restaurant called Ballkoni Dajtit, offering amazing meals that you can enjoy on the beautiful terrace overlooking the mountain and the whole city of Tirana. 

That’s not all. If you can’t get enough of Dajti, you can stay at the Dajti Tower Belvedere Hotel, a unique building sitting atop the mountain offering amazing scenery. With great rooms and excellent service, you are sure to have a stay to remember. 

#13. Butrint National Park

Also falling into the category of the most beautiful places in Albania is Butrint National Park. Butrint was once among the most beautiful cities in the Roman Empire, and to this day, the ruins of the city attract tourists from all over the world. If you’re a history buff, it’s one of the best places to visit in Albania.

Butrint is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the ancient ruins being very valuable for the culture and legacy of the country. There are buses you can take, or you can drive your own car there. The roads are good, so you won’t have any difficulties. 

#14. Gjipe Beach 

Of course, we couldn’t leave out one of the best beaches in Albania, Gjipe Beach. This hidden gem is nestled in the hills between Dhёrmi and Himarё, and not many tourists know about it,  although it is becoming more and more popular. 

The serene turquoise waters will make you feel like you’re in another world, where it’s just you and the beautiful nature. The combination of the cliffs and the water makes it the perfect picture-worthy landscape. 

You can get to Gjipe Beach by car, bus, or boat. Getting there by boat is definitely the most scenic way, with breathtaking views in front of you. This is also one of the most beautiful places in Albania, for sure.

#15. Shkodra Lake

Shkodra Lake is the largest lake on the Balkan Peninsula, with a surface area of around 368 square kilometers. Visiting Shkodra Lake is the perfect chance to get a glimpse of true Albanian nature, with its lush greenery and unique landscape surrounding it. 

Many tourists choose to explore the lake by bicycle to fully enjoy the area. Along the shoreline, there are also tons of restaurants serving amazing traditional Albanian food, with the specialty being the Lake’s carp. 

Shkodra Lake is also the ideal spot for birdwatching, with around 200 different species of birds like pelicans, eagles, seagulls, and more. 

#16. Cyclops Eye (Krrabё)

Once a hidden spot, Cyclops Eye has become a popular getaway destination for many tourists nowadays. Widely considered to be one of the most beautiful places in Albania, it’s located just outside the village of Krraba, about an hour's walk away. The terrain is a bit tricky, so keep that in mind. 

According to the local legend, a cyclops once fought with a beast, and as a result, he fell from the abyss and lost an eye, creating an empty crater that got filled with cold water, forming the place we see today.

What You Should Know Before Visiting Albania

To be as prepared as possible when you visit Albania, here are some basics you should know about the place:

• Albania is home to some of the most popular beaches and tourist attractions in Europe, so from July to August, it gets massively crowded. If you’re looking for a quiet and tranquil visit, it’s better to visit between September and November.
• It’s quite a mountainous country, so driving in certain areas can be tricky.
• People here speak the Albanian language, so it would be nice if you learned a few basic phrases before visiting.
• While many businesses accept credit cards, people mostly pay in cash, specifically in Albanian Lek, so you should always have some on hand during your visit.

Don’t Forget!

• There are many unique and beautiful places in Albania, ready to be explored by curious and adventurous tourists.
• You can get to Albania by plane, bus, or even ferry, depending on your starting location.
• Some of the most beautiful places in Albania that you can visit include the Blue Eye, the Lagoon of Karavasta, Dajti Express, Butrint National Park, and many more.